Crisis? What crisis? Some research-based reflections on police-press relations

The police–media relationship is characterized by symbiosis and tension and has come under scrutiny following a phone hacking scandal and public and official unease concerning the closeness of several senior Metropolitan Police officers to members of the press. Following a number of official reviews, the framework for conducting police–media relations in English and Welsh forces is being reconsidered. This article highlights significant points that have been raised concerning the principles and practice of police–media relations and analyses these drawing on academic research. In doing so, the article contributes to the ongoing work aimed at achieving consistent and transparent police–media relations. It concludes by proposing an outline framework for building-in communications to police work as an essential component of legitimate policing.